Quick Ways To Save Your Style From Hat Hair
Hats — you can't help but love this accessory that can transform just about any look. Not only are they stylish, but they're also purposeful. They protect your head from either the UV rays in the summer or windy air in the winter — making them a great accessory to style any time of year — and they save your hair from bad hair days. They're key pieces in your wardrobe, and with so many different types — wide brim, baseball caps, beanies, and more — there's a style for everyone. The only downside? They give you hat hair.
See, the funny thing about your locks is they tend to follow the shape of your hat. You may look cute when wearing a hat, but the moment you remove it, well, let's just say it's not so cute anymore, especially if you've donned the hat for a long period of time. Your hair usually ends up either flat or a tangled mess that can be tough to restore, or a chaotic combination of both.
But you don't have to swear off hats completely just to avoid hat hair. The good news is there are a few tricks you can try to wear your favorite hats without wreaking havoc on your tresses.
Be careful about your choice of hat
It should probably come as a no-brainer that the fate of your locks largely hinges on what hat you wear. If you really want to avoid making a mess of your mane, hairstylist Ted Gibson told HuffPost that it's best to reach for hats made out of wool as they're the least likely to give you flat hair. Meanwhile, Kien Hoang, an Oribe educator, added that cotton or cashmere hats are great buffers for static. Not only is the material of the hat important, but so is the type.
Bolo hats, floppy hats, and berets are where it's at. And when it comes to hats you should steer clear of? Apparently, hats that cling to your head, such as beanies and skull caps, are a big no-no. These types tend to cause your scalp to produce more sweat, which results in flatter hair.
Ensure that your hair is completely dry
Before wearing your hat, you need to ensure your hair is dry from the roots to the tips. Garren, a celebrity hairstylist, shared with The Zoe Report that you'll minimize the chances of having flat hair if your hair is "dried in the direction you want it to go in." The only exceptions to this rule are folks with curly hair, as slight dampness can help tame the hair and lessen the volume. "By the time you get to where you're going, your hair will be dry, less puffy, and closer to your head," he added.
Apart from flatness, putting a hat on with wet hair can encourage bacterial growth. Johan Hellström, CEO and founder of Björn Axén, told Vogue Scandinavia that wearing a hat with wet hair underneath can do more harm than good to your scalp. Your hair would be more susceptible to damage, and your scalp may collect more bacteria than when it's dry. What's more, with dry hair, your hair will be able to retain its style better.
Try different hairstyles
According to celebrity hairstylist and salon owner Jana Rago, there are certain hairstyles that can help avoid hat hair, including waves, braids, and a messy bun. She suggests styling your hair in a way that creates more depth and volume so that when you put the hat on, it doesn't look nearly as flat (via Prose).
Fashion expert Dawn del Russo told Real Simple that a low, loose ponytail is just one solution to that crease you often get in your hair with a tighter pony. Throwing your hair in a cute braid is a great option that again, won't look flat, and takes no time, according to stylist Natalie Decleve. Another trick is to switch your hair to the side you don't normally wear it on, Del Russo added. This way, when it's finally time to take the hat off, the body and structure will remain.
Apply or spritz in some product
If you want to dodge hat hair as much as you possibly can, you have to be strategic with the cocktail of products you put on your head. Per Prose, stylist Jana Rago suggested using dry shampoo or volumizing spray. "These products help oxidize your hair, and give the roots some volume," she explained, adding that "the cleaner your hair is, the better so that it can easily bounce back after wearing a hat." It may not return your locks' fullness entirely, but it does wonders in helping gain some of the bounce back.
Leo Izquierdo, the co-founder of IGK Haircare, also shared with The Zoe Report that using a mix of coconut oil or a hydrating balm adds a "lightweight hold, definition, and intense hydration" to your hair. But if you don't have access to products, you can use another nifty tool: your hands. Hairstylist Sacha Mitic told Harper's Bazaar that you can add volume by running your fingers through your roots.
Hacks for fixing hat hair
If your hair is the uncooperative type and none of the hacks mentioned above work, don't lose hope. There are still some tricks that you can try to reverse the lousy hat hair look. Byrdie suggests making your hair damp with a towel after removing the hat and then letting your strands absorb the water for up to two minutes to remove whatever indention the hat left. Dry it if you can, but if there's no hair dryer around, you can always let your fingers run through it as a de facto styling tool.
And while you may not think that mousse can help, Fashion Magazine highlighted its power to add body and flexibility to your hair. With mousse, your hair will be more resistant to flatness, and if the right kind is used, you can even expect to maintain its shape no matter how long you've had a hat on.